Three man and one woman were taken into custody Wednesday evening.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Four people are in custody for taking hundreds of dollars of merchandise from a Lululemon store in Old Town Alexandria. Police say the group walked out of the store with about $1,400 worth of store items.
Alexandria Police were called to the Lululemon on King Street at around 5:15 p.m. on Thursday for a theft report. Over the course of the investigation, police were able to apprehend all four suspects believed to be responsible.
One of the suspects was later arrested in Arlington County. The other three were taken into custody near the King Street Metro station in Alexandria, police said.
A 19-year-old man and two 24-year-old men were arrested, along with a 21-year-old woman. The group is facing charges of grand larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny.
This latest incident comes about a week after a group stole $8,000 worth of merchandise from ALO, another athleisure chain with a store in the Old Town area.
Police say organized retail theft continues to be a challenge in the city and across the region.
“It’s groups that move up and down the East Coast to do this organized retail theft,” said Captain Mike May of the Alexandria Police Department.
Despite the ongoing issue, May said reported larcenies, shoplifting, and thefts are down 28% in Alexandria.
“It’s been a focus,” May said.
May said police are working closely with shop owners and local businesses and are sharing intelligence and data in real time.
Detective LaRusso said the crime hits close to home.
“I take it a little personally. I live in Old Town. I like shopping here and it is frustrating to see the same thing happen over and over again, but luckily as of late we’re getting more leads,” LaRusso said.
Police are encouraging people to continue visiting Alexandria for the holidays, but issued a warning to anyone coming to the city to commit crimes.
“We just want them to know that, if you mess around, you’re going to find out,” May said. “If you come to the city of Alexandria to commit a crime, we’re going to hold you accountable.”